Blog

21 January 2015Time to renovate your pool

If the equipment in your pool is no longer functioning optimally and the aesthetics are starting to suffer due to extended use, it might be time to think about renovating. Whether you’re upgrading the plant room equipment, refurbishing the tiles or looking to improve the pool’s structural integrity, it’s important to enlist the services of a specialist who knows the ins and outs of your particular type of pool. If you are considering renovating because you have been losing water in the pool, performing a simple bucket test will tell you if this is happening because of evaporation or whether there is a more serious problem which needs to be addressed. Taking inspiration from SPATA’s informative pool renovation leaflet, here are some of the things you should keep in mind, whether you have a concrete or liner pool.

Concrete pools
If your service engineer has determined there are structural issues causing leakages, re-tiling is one of the most effective solutions. A glass fibre reinforced finish would be ideal for the tiles, since this material is extremely durable but also has enough flexibility to stay in place despite small structural movements. For extreme cases, a highly flexible, custom-made PVC lining can be applied to stop any further damage from occurring. For more information about how to use re-tiling to prevent your pool from being damaged structurally, do consult with your service engineer.

Vinyl liner pools
Vinyl liner pools offer certain advantages; they are easy to install, algae won’t form as rapidly and the material is softer on the feet. However, while such pools are structurally durable, the liners themselves are not, and they usually need to be replaced every decade or so. If your liner is starting to show wrinkles and cuts or punctures are starting to appear, it’s probably time to replace your liner. After emptying the pool of all its water, leave the replacement procedure to your engineer. While it can be tempting to do this yourself, the possibility of the liner coming unstuck in the not too distant future because of incorrect installation is not worth the short-term financial gain. High quality, custom-made liners can be designed to fit the specifications of your pool, and these are likely to last longer. For more information on having one of these produced, consult your pool engineer.

Equipment
Even if you have purchased equipment of the highest quality, all pool equipment has a shelf life. Pumps last approximately a decade - although this duration can be extended with regular maintenance and care. If you’re thinking about upgrading your heating, next-generation heat pumps are particularly efficient since they harvest energy from the air and use it to warm the pool, meaning less electricity is required to keep the pool at the same temperature. Many people choose to upgrade their pool covers during renovations, whether their existing cover is suffering from wear and tear or they simply want to upgrade the functionality. For instance, a family with young children and pets may look into upgrading to a security cover. There are numerous types of pool cover on offer, choosing the right one will depend on your functional requirements and the budget available to you.

At London Swimming Pool Company we specialise in swimming pool design, construction, refurbishment and maintenance, so if you need advice contact us for an initial discussion – there’s no substitute for expert advice.